Benitez: 'We respect Mazembe'

Rafa Benitez has warned Inter not to underestimate Club World Cup Finalists Mazembe. “They are to be respected.”

The Congo outfit shocked Internacional de Porto Alegre 2-0 in the semi-final and will challenge for the trophy on Saturday.

“We have already studied Mazembe and will continue doing so tomorrow,” revealed Benitez.

“They are a completely different opponent to the one we faced in the semi-final, Seongnam. They are very strong physically and almost represent a national side, as they boast the best players from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“The most spectacular is their goalkeeper, while they also have a robust midfield and very fast strikers.

“Above all, Mazembe are a side who work hard and never give in, even when they are tired,” continued the Inter Coach.

“They proved that in the game against the Brazilians, but also in the African Champions League victory that got them to the Club World Cup.

“Mazembe are to be respected, because you don't get to this stage if you don't have something important in the side.”